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College comparison
Barnard vs Pomona
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Barnard New York, NY |  Pomona Claremont, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance ratePomona College is more selective | 9% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,264 | 1,666 |
| Avg net price | $28,800 | $19,285 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Barnard reports higher median earnings | $80,516 | $77,779 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 93% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $11,782 |
| Economic mobility | 3.5% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Barnard vs Pomona: how they compare
Barnard and Pomona are both highly regarded liberal arts colleges, but they offer distinct environments and value propositions.
By the numbers Pomona is slightly more selective (7% vs. 9% acceptance) with a marginally higher SAT floor (1490 vs. 1470). Financially, Pomona offers a significantly lower average net price ($19k vs. $29k) and a higher return on investment (4.0x vs. 2.8x value ratio), backed by a stronger DOE financial-health score (2.9 vs. 2.5). Barnard graduates report slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($81k vs. $78k). Barnard excels in economic mobility (345% rate vs. 195%), but its admissions process is more volatile (64% admit-rate volatility vs. 28%). Pomona demonstrates strength in producing future scholars, with a future-scholar yield of 11.3. Both share a 93% graduation rate.
Where they overlap Both institutions provide a rigorous, intimate liberal arts education with the resources of a broader consortium—Barnard through Columbia University and Pomona through the Claremont Colleges. They foster tight-knit, academically intense communities with high graduation success.
How they differ The core distinctions are foundational: Barnard is a women's college in New York City, offering an urban, independent environment with access to a major research university. Pomona is a co-ed college in a suburban consortium, creating a more self-contained, collaborative environment. Culturally, Barnard is characterized by a vibrant social scene integrated into city life, while Pomona is noted for a supportive, academically focused campus culture.
Who each suits Barnard suits a student seeking a women's college experience within the dynamism and opportunity of NYC, who values high economic mobility and an independent social life. Pomona is ideal for a student prioritizing financial value, a stable and collaborative academic environment, and a pathway toward graduate scholarship, all within a close-knit suburban consortium.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Barnard College or Pomona College harder to get into?
- Pomona College is more selective: Barnard College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Pomona College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Barnard College vs Pomona College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Barnard College and 1490–1560 at Pomona College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.